This act provides state recognition of the existence and significance, culture, and historic contributions by the Abenaki people who have successfully inhabited Vermont and much of the rest of the northeast United States and Canada since well before Europeans arrived here. The recognition specifically excludes any relationship to providing a basis for land claims and is limited to the purpose of providing the Abenaki with the right to use the Indian-produced or Native American-produced label on any arts and crafts produced by them and of making certain federal programs for educational assistance and cultural opportunities available to the Abenaki and other Native Americans who reside in Vermont. This act also creates the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs, composed of seven members that include members recommended by Native American groups whose purpose is to continue to recognize the historic and cultural contributions of Native Americans, to protect and strengthen their heritage, and to promote them in terms of state policy, programs, and actions.